Continuous power bus for seat power

ABSTRACT

A method of providing power and/or data to a seat in a seating area. A power distribution system having a continuous power bus is used to supply power and/or data to seats in a mobile platform or fixed structure. The power distribution system generally includes a bus strip that, in a mobile platform, extends along a length of a passenger cabin and a connector operable to provide a connection between the bus strip and the passenger seats. Power and/or data can be transmitted between the bus strip and the passenger seats, via the connector, at any point along the bus strip, thus eliminating the need to run separate connections between the power and/or data source and each seat.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. Pat. application Ser. No.10/810,324 filed on Mar. 27, 2004. The disclosure of the aboveapplication is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to aircraft electronic systems. Inparticular, the present invention relates to a power bus that provideselectricity to passenger seats in a mobile platform, such as anaircraft.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Commercial aircraft passengers are increasingly demanding in-flightentertainment (IFE) and electrical power outlets to operate variouselectronic devices, such as laptop computers, at their seats. To providethe passenger with such features, electrical power and data must bedelivered to each seat. Conventionally, power and data are delivered toaircraft passenger seats via numerous cables that, during aircraftassembly, are laid out in position on the floor of the aircraftpassenger cabin. A portion of the cables is positioned beneath acovering, such as the seat track cover, and a portion that includesconnectors for connection to the seats is left exposed to connect withthe yet to be installed seat groups containing each passenger seat.During installation of the seat groups, the seat groups must be carriedin over the exposed wires. Taking care to avoid the exposed wiresincreases both the complexity of the operation and the amount of timerequired to install the seats.

The seat groups can be arranged in various configurations and positions.As a result, a plurality of cables of various lengths and configurationsare required to accommodate the desired seating configurations andpositioning. The requirement for a variety of cables is expensive topurchase for initial installation and for spares. Additionally, whenreconfiguring the seat groups or changing the positions, the existingcables may be inadequate and require re-wiring so that the wiring willreach the seats in their new positions. As would be expected, re-wiringan aircraft is a costly and time consuming process.

In view of the foregoing, it is desirable to provide an improved devicefor delivering power to aircraft passenger seat groups that willeliminate the need to separately connect each seat group to anindividual power or data cable and the need to re-wire the power cableswhen the seat configuration is changed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A power distribution system operable to supply power and/or data topassenger seats in a mobile platform. The power distribution systemgenerally includes a power bus strip and a connector operable to providea connection between the bus strip and the passenger seats. Power and/ordata can be transmitted between the bus strip and the passenger seats,via the connector, at any point along the bus strip, thus eliminatingthe need to run separate connections between the power and/or datasource and each passenger seat.

A power distribution system for use with a plurality of seats within astructure according to the principles of the present invention includesa bus strip having at least one conductive member therein. The bus striphas an access portion that allows access to the conductive member at anylocation along a length of the access portion. The bus strip extendsalong a portion of the structure adjacent seats within the structure.There is a connector which is operable to electrically interconnect thebus strip conductive member to a conductive member in a seat. Theconductor has a plug member operable to be electrically connected to thebus strip conductive member through the access portion. The conductorhas a cable which is operable to be connected to the seat conductivemember.

An aircraft having a power distribution system according to theprinciple of the present invention includes a body having a passengerseating area and a plurality of seats in the seating area. There is asource operable to supply power and/or data. An elongated bus stripextends along a portion of the seating area. The bus strip has at leastone continuous elongated receptacle that extends along an entirety ofthe bus strip. The receptacle includes a conductive member electricallyconnected to the source. A connector is selectively attachable to thebus strip at any location along the receptacle. The connector has a plugoperable to be inserted into the receptacle and into electrical contactwith the conductive member. The connector is electrically connected toat least one of the seats. The connector thereby electricallyinterconnects the conductive member to the seat.

A method of providing power and/or data to a seat in a passenger seatingarea of a mobile platform is disclosed. The method includes: (1)attaching an elongated bus strip having an elongated continuousreceptacle in a desired location relative to the seating area, saidreceptacle having a conductive member therein; (2) attaching a connectorto said bus strip at a position near the seat to which power and/or datais to be provided, said connector having a plug that engages with saidconductive member when attached to said bus strip, said connectoroperable to electrically interconnect said conductive member to theseat; and (3) connecting said bus strip to a power and/or data source onthe mobile platform.

The features, functions, and advantages can be achieved independently invarious embodiments of the present inventions or may be combined in yetother embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a partially cut-away view of an aircraft showing the aircraftpassenger cabin outfitted with the power distribution system of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the power distributionsystem of FIG. 1 along line 2-2;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the bus strip and connector ofthe power distribution system according to the principles of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the bus strip of FIG. 3 along line4-4; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating an exemplary wiringconfiguration of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of preferred embodiments is merely exemplaryin nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, itsapplication, or uses.

With initial reference to FIG. 1, a mobile platform in the form of apassenger aircraft equipped with a power distribution system accordingto the present invention is illustrated at reference numeral 20. It willbe appreciated, however, that the present invention is not limited touse only in commercial aircraft and can be implemented in any form ofmobile platform, such as a ship, train, bus, rotor craft, etc. Theinvention can also be implemented in fixed structures having a pluralityof seats, such as conference rooms, theaters, auditoriums, etc.

The aircraft 20 generally includes a fuselage 22, wings 24, and a tailfin 26. The fuselage 22 includes a passenger cabin 28 having a floor 30.At floor 30 are numerous passenger seats 32. Two or more passenger seats32 are grouped together as a seat group 34. One or more seat tracks 36extend along floor 30 to secure seat groups 34 into position. A powerdistribution system 38 for delivering power and/or data to seats 32extends along side of, or closely adjacent to, one or more of the seattracks 36. Power distribution system 38 connects to a power and/or datasource 40 (hereinafter referred to as power source 40). Seat tracks 36and power distribution system 38 are typically covered by a seat trackcover 42.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 and additional reference to FIG. 2,each seat group 34 includes legs 46 that provide support to thedifferent passenger seats 32. Legs 46 include an upper portion 48 and alower portion 50. Upper portion 48 mates with or can be integrated withseats 32. Lower portion 50 includes a any conventional fastening devicecapable of securing seat group 34 to seat track 36. For example, a tab54 for cooperating with seat track 36 can be used, as described infurther detail below. Tab 54 can be, for example, round, square, orrectangular, to be securely received by seat track 36.

Seat track 36 includes a pair of extensions 56 that extend upwardly froma base portion 58 and define a channel 60 therebetween. Tab 54 of legs46 fit within channel 60 and allows seat group 34 to be slid along seattrack 36 to a desired position and then secured in that position. Seattrack 36 is positioned between floor supports 62 which support floor 30.Specifically, floor 30 includes a floor panel 64 and a carpet layer 66.Floor panel 64 is supported by floor supports 62. Floor supports 62include an upper member 68 upon which floor panel 64 rests and a lowermember 70 which is attached to a fuselage floor beam (not shown).

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, seat track cover 42 is anelongated strip for covering seat track 36 and power distribution system38. Seat track cover 42 has a top surface 72 that extends across thetops of carpet layer 66 and a lower portion (not shown) that may engagewith seat track 36 to secure seat track cover 42 in position or,alternatively, cover 42 can be secured to floor panel 64 or carpet 66.Seat track cover 42 also includes openings or discontinuities in topsurface 72 to accommodate legs 46 of frame 44 and to allow powerdistribution system 38 to provide power to seat groups 34.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 and additional reference toFIGS. 3 and 4, power distribution system 38 generally includes a powerbus strip 74 and multiple connectors 76 that each interconnect bus strip74 with one of the seat groups 34. Bus strip 74 generally includes anelongated housing 78 that can be attached to upper member 68 of floorsupport 62. Housing 78 can be made from a variety of materials, such asmetal or plastic. Preferably, housing 78 is nonconductive and made of aplastic. When housing 78 is electrically conductive it is grounded.Housing 78 includes an access portion or side 80 that extends along anentirety of the length of bus strip 74. Access portion 80 allows accessto continuous receptacles 82 that extend along an entirety of a lengthof access portion 80 and bus strip 74. Each receptacle 82 includes anelectrically conductive member 84 that is electrically connected to acable 86 that extends from bus strip 74 and is connected to power source40. Thus, each conductive member 84 is connected to power source 40 viacable 86. Cable 86 can extend from bus strip 74 at either end or in anintermediate location between the ends. Cable 86 extends through agrommet 87 or other protective device to seal cable 86 to housing 78 toprevent liquid or debris from entering into housing 78 through the cableopening. Cable 86 will extend from bus strip 74 at a location thatfacilitates the connection of cable 86 to power source 40. Eachconductive member 84 is made from a conductive material, such as copper.

Conductive members 84 can include a locking detail 88 that is operableto removably secure connector 76 to bus strip 74, described in moredetail below, if desired. Each receptacle 82 is contained within anonconductive retainer 90. Retainer 90 has a slot 92 for each receptacle82 to allow access to the conductive member 84 therein. Slot 92 extendsalong an entire length of receptacle 82 to allow access to receptacle 82at any location along the length of bus strip 74. Each slot 92 is formedby a pair of resilient fingers 94 that oppose and are in contact withone another. The contact between fingers 94 provides a seal thatprotects conductive members 84 and prevents the ingress of liquids orother contaminates into receptacles 82 in bus strip 74. Fingers 94 allowinsertion of and seal around plugs 98 in connector 76 when connector 76is being attached to bus strip 74. The insertion of plugs 98 intoreceptacles 82 causes fingers 94 to elastically deform. When connector76 is removed from bus strip 74, fingers 94 return to their nominalstate and seal slot 92 to prevent liquids or other contaminates fromgetting into receptacles 82. Fingers 94 are integral with retainer 90.Retainer 90 and fingers 94 can be made from a variety of materials, suchas elastomeric material and plastic. Preferably, retainer 90 and fingers94 are made from an elastomeric material, such as rubber. If desired,fingers 94 and retainer 90 can be made from different types of materialsto provide desired properties for the different portions of retainer 90.While retainer 90 is shown as being a single retainer that retains eachof the receptacles 82, it should be appreciated that each receptacle 82could have its own individual retainer that is a distinct and separatecomponent from the other retainers, if desired.

In addition to or as an alternative to conductive members 84 having alocking detail 88, bus strip 74 can include a retaining slot 95 that isoperable to allow connector 76 to be removably secured to bus strip 74.Retaining slot 95 includes a sloped surface 96 and a shoulder portion 97that are used to removably secure connector 76 to bus strip 74. Theinteraction of connector 76 and retaining slot 95 is described in moredetail below.

As illustrated, bus strip 74 includes a first conductive member 84A incommunication with power source 40 to carry power from power source 40,a second conductive member 84B that is in communication with powersource 40 to return power to power source 40, and a third conductivemember 84C to ground power strip 74 by connecting to a ground withinpower source 40 or to a suitable grounding surface. It should beappreciated, however, that conductive members 84 can provide other poweror data to the seat groups. For example, conductive members 84 can beused to supply data, as described in more detail below, additionally,conductive members 84A and 84B can be used to supply two differentphases of AC current and conductive member 84C acting as a ground. Powersource 40 can be a dedicated battery for supplying power to passengerseats 32 or can be connected to the general aircraft power supply. Powersource 40 can include electrical contacts (not shown) that makeelectrical contact with the appropriate conductive members 84 via cable86. Preferably, power source 40 is operable to provide a nominal 115volts of AC current at 400 hertz to seats 32 although other voltages,frequencies, and DC current can be supplied, if desired. The size ofconductive members 84 and cable 86 are selected to carry the desiredcurrent and so that the voltage drop over the length of bus strip 74 isconstrained to an acceptable level.

Connector 76 includes a plurality of plugs 98 and is configured to beremovably attached to bus strip 74. Connector 76 is nonconductive andcan be made from a variety of materials. Preferably, connector 76 ismade of plastic. Plugs 98 are conductive and are preferably made from ametal, such as copper. Plugs 98 are arranged to align with receptacles82 when connector 76 is attached to bus strip 74. Plugs 98 areelectrically conductive and are electrically connected to a cable 99that extends from connector 76. On the other end of cable 99 there is aplug 100 that is configured to mate with a complementary receptacle 101on seat group 34. Alternatively, as discussed below, connector 76 can beintegral to seat group 34 with cable 99 already attach to the associatedcomponents within the seat group. Plugs 98 can take a variety of forms.For example, plugs 98 can be cylindrical pins, as shown, or can be flatrectangular blades (not shown). Plugs 98 and receptacles 82 areconfigured to be complementary to one another so that a good reliableelectrical connection can be achieved between plugs 98 and receptacles82 when connector 76 is attached to bus strip 74. As stated above,receptacles 82 can have a locking detail 88, which is in the form of anarrowed or restricted passageway in conductive member 84. When lockingdetail 88 is present, plugs 98 preferably have an end or head portion102 that is larger than a stem portion 103. With this configuration,locking detail 88 secures plug 98 within receptacle 82 by pinching stemportion 103 after head portion 102 has passed through locking detail 88.The interaction between locking detail 88 and head 102 helps preventinadvertent removal of connector 76 from bus strip 74 but does notprevent removal when an adequate force is applied to connector 76.

Connector 76 can include a retaining mechanism 104 that allows connector76 to be removably secured to bus strip 74 when bus strip 74 hasretaining slot 95. Retaining mechanism 104 includes an engagement member106 and a lever 108. The end of engagement member 106 has a slopedsurface 110 and a shoulder 112. Engagement member 106 aligns with and isin inserted into retaining slot 95 of bus strip 74. Sloped surface 110may engage with the sloped surface 96 in retaining slot 95 whenconnector 76 is being connected to bus strip 74. Lever 108 is operablebetween a releasing position (FIG. 3) and a retaining position (FIG. 2).Movement of lever 108 between the releasing and retaining positionsmoves engagement member 106 upwardly and toward connector 76. Incontrast, when lever 108 is moved from the retaining position to thereleasing position, engagement member 106 moves downwardly and away fromconnector 76. The movement of engagement member 106 allows connector 76to be selectively secured to bus strip 74, as described below. Retainingmechanism 104 is nonconductive and preferably made of a plastic.

When connector 76 is attached to bus strip 74, plugs 98 align with andinsert into associated receptacle 82 through slots 92 and engagementmember 106 aligns with inserts into retaining slot 95. Depending uponthe alignment between connector 76 and bus strip 74, sloped surface 110of engagement member 106 may engage with sloped surface 96 of retainingslot 95 to facilitate the positioning of engagement member 106 properlywithin retaining slot 95 when connector 76 and bus strip 74 are notcompletely aligned. With connector 76 engaged with bus strip 74, lever108 can then be moved to the engagement position which causes engagementmember 106 to move upwardly and toward connector 76. The movement ofengagement member 106 causes shoulder 112 of engagement member 106 toengage with the shoulder 97 in retaining slot 95. The engagement ofshoulders 112, 97 secures connector 76 to bus strip 74. When it isdesired to remove connector 76 from bus strip 74, lever 108 is movedfrom the engaged position to the release position which moves engagementmember 106 away from connector 76 and downward to disengage shoulders112, 97. Connector 76 can then be removed from bus strip 74.

With additional reference to FIG. 5, the connection of cable 99 onconnector 76 to receptacle 101 on seat group 34 electricallyinterconnects receptacles 82 with respective wires 114 on seat group 34.Wires 114 extend from receptacle 101 up to seats 32. A first wire 114Ais in electrical contact with first receptacle 82A, a second wire 114Bis in electrical contact with second receptacle 82B, and a third wire114C is in electrical contact with third receptacle 82C via connector76. Wires 114 are also connected to various components on seats 32 ofseat group 34, as determined by the features being offered within eachseat group 34. For example, wires 114 can extend to power outlets foreach seat 32 thereby enabling a passenger residing within that seat tohave an available power supply for their use. Additionally, wires 114can be supplied to display screens to display requested informationand/or to provide power to the display screen (not shown). Alternativelyand/or additionally, receptacle 101 can be connected to variouscomponents, such as an AC to DC converter, single conditioner, or thelike from which wires 114 extend to their associated components. Thus,power distribution system 38 can be utilized to provide power or datafrom power source 40 to individual seats 32 throughout passenger cabin28.

The cooperation of the above components and their operation will now bedescribed in detail. Seat track 36 is generally positioned just beneathor at the surface of floor 30 and extends the length of, or at least aportion of the length of, passenger cabin 28. Aircraft 20 can includeany number of seat tracks 36 depending upon the application. In someapplications, two seat tracks 36 are provided to support each seat group34 at floor 30. Seat track 36 is typically held in position by securingseat track 36 to floor support 62 in any suitable manner.

With seat tracks 36 secured in position, bus strips 74 can be installed.Bus strips 74 are positioned adjacent one or more seat track 36 on uppermember 68 of floor support 62. Bus strips 74 are flush with the topsurface or slightly recessed from the top surface of floor 30. Bus strip74 is oriented so that access portion 80 is open toward seat track 36.Bus strip 74 extends an entire length of, or at least a portion of thelength of, passenger cabin 28. Cable 86 on bus strip 74 is attached topower source 40 either via complementary receptacles or by connectingthe individual wires within cable 86 to various connectors within powersource 40. Alternatively, cable 86 can be connected to an intermediatecable or component which is connected to power source 40. Bus strip 74is preferably removably secured to floor supports 62 or floor panel 64.Bus strip 74 can be secured floor supports 62 in a variety of ways. Forexample, a hook-and-loop fastener system, such as Velcro®, can be used,clips (not shown) that snap into complementary recesses or openings (notshown) within floor supports 62 or floor panel 64, or the like can beutilized. Optionally, reinforcing members (not shown) or attachmentmembers may be positioned at various lengths along bus strip 74. Use ofthese reinforcing or attachment members may prevent connector 76 frombeing installed at some positions along bus strip 74, however, theintrusion of these members is minimal and the functionality of bus strip74 providing continuous receptacles for attaching a connector 76 maystill be substantially achieved.

With bus strip 74 positioned in place, seat groups 34 containingpassenger seats 32 are installed. Seat groups 34 are positioned aboveseat tracks 36 such that legs 46 of each seat group 34 are aligned withseat tracks 36. Generally, fastening tab 54 of seat legs 46 is, at itswidest point, wider than the distance between extensions 56 of seattrack 36 that engage with tabs 54. However, at various apertures alongthe length of seat track 36, the distance between extensions 56increases to permit passage of tabs 54. It is at these regions thatfastening tabs 54 are inserted past extensions 56 and into channel 60 ofseat track 36. Seat group 34 is then moved along seat track 36 such thattab 54 is moved to a point in seat track 36 where the distance betweenextensions 56 is less than the width of tab 54 to lock tab 54, and thusseat group 34, to seat track 36. To ensure that tab 54 does not returnto the area of seat track 36 where the distance between extensions 56 iswidened, seat leg 46 is secured into position along seat track 36 in anyconventional manner, such as by a bolt.

With at least one seat group 34 secured in its desired position, seatgroup 34 can then be connected to power source 40 via power distributionsystem 38. Preferably, connector 76 is attached to seat group 34 priorto seat group 34 being installed into aircraft 20. That is, it ispreferred that connector 76 be preassembled along with seat group 34 atthe manufacturer of seat group 34 such that when seat group 34 is to beinstalled within aircraft 20, connector 76 is already part of seat group34. In this manner, installation of seat group 34 and connecting seatgroup 34 to power distribution system 38 is facilitated. Additionally,connector 76 can be configured to provide the power and/or data streamsto seat group 34 for the configuration of a particular seat group. Thatis, different seat groups may have different power sources and/or datacontent available for their use. Connector 76 that comes preassembledwith seat group 34 and is configured to tap into or connect to theappropriate power lines and/or data lines within bus strip 74.Alternatively, connector 76 can be a separate component that is notattached to seat group 34. In this instance, connector 76 will need tobe connected to seat group 34 via cable 99 after seat group 34 issecured in position within aircraft 20.

In either configuration, connector 76 is positioned adjacent bus strip74 and on top of seat track 36 between front and back legs 46. Connector76 is aligned with bus strip 74 so that engagement member 106 is alignedwith retaining slot 95 and each plug 98 is aligned with the associateslot 92 and receptacle 82. Connector 76 is then moved toward bus strip74 and into engagement therewith. It is anticipated that connector 76can be installed by hand by a worker on aircraft 20. However, ifdesired, a tool can be employed to exert leverage and move connector 76into engagement with bus strip 74. For example, connector 76 can beattached to a lever or similar device on leg 46 and movement of thelever causes connector 76 to move toward and attach to bus strip 74.When connector 76 is engaged with bus strip 74, if so equipped, lever108 can be moved to its engaged position to cause engagement member 106to engage with retaining slot 95 to secure connector 76 to bus strip 74.With connector 76 secured to bus strip 74 either by retaining mechanism104 or locking detail 88, cable 99, if not previously installed as partof seat group 34, can then be attached to receptacle 101 in seat group34. If desired, however, cable 99 can be attached to receptacle 101 ofseat group 34 prior to attaching connector 76 to bus strip 74.

With seat group 34 now connected to power source 40 via powerdistribution system 38, the next seat group 34 can then be installed andconnected to power source 40 in the same manner. Alternatively, ifdesired, each seat group 34 can be installed into its desired positionprior to connecting each seat group 34 to power source 40 with powerdistribution system 38.

Finally, with seat group 34 secured in position and connected to powersource 40 via power distribution system 38, seat track cover 42 isinserted over seat track 36 and bus strip 74. To accommodate seat legs46 and cable 99, a section of seat track cover 42 is removed. Seat trackcover 42 is secured to floor 30 using any suitable adhesive ormechanical fastening device.

It should be appreciated that while power distribution system 38 isdescribed as distributing power to passenger seats 32, system 38 canalso be used to distribute data to passenger seats 32. For example, datadistribution can be performed using conventional communication overpower line systems.

It should also be appreciated that passenger cabin 28 can be outfittedwith multiple power distribution systems 38 at each seat group 34. Themultiple power distribution systems 38 can be provided at the same seattrack 36 or different seat tracks 36. The use of multiple powerdistribution systems 38 is useful to provide separate power bus systemsfor both power and data. Further, a first power distribution system 38at seat track 36 can be used for current delivery and a second powerdistribution system 38 can be used as a current return. Still further,the use of a second power distribution system 38 can be used to supplyadditional current to seat groups 34.

Power distribution system 38 can also include a data only optical strip(not shown) housed within housing 78. The optical strip can be anyconventional optical data line. For example, the optical strip can bemade by co-extruding opaque plastic over clear plastic to make a lightguide. High-bandwidth data can be sent to seat groups 34 usingconventional “light guide” technology, or any other short-range fiberoptic technology. This high-bandwidth data is received by each seatgroup 34 and each seat 32 by conventional high-bandwidth receiver orconnector.

Power distribution system 38 can further include a data strip (notshown) that carries both optical data and electrical current. Forexample, a clear plastic with sufficiently high dielectric to insulate apower conductor, such as polyethylene can be co-extruded around one ormore conductive members 84 with a clear plastic interior and an opaqueplastic exterior. Data can be transmitted through the plastic portionusing, for example, conventional “light guide” technology or any othershort-range fiber optic technology, and electrical current can beconducted through the conductive member 84. By adding a conventionaloptical tap (not shown) to plug 98, a single conductive member 84 can beused to transmit both power and optical data.

It should be appreciated that while bus strip 74 is shown as havingthree receptacles 82 with three conductive members 84 therein, bus strip74 can have more or less number of receptacles and conductive members.Furthermore, it should be appreciated that connector 76, while shown ashaving a complementary number of plugs 98 as there are receptacles 82 inbus strip 74 can have less than the entire number of receptacles 82, ifdesired. For example, when bus strip 74 has numerous receptacles 82 andthe particular seat group 34 that is tapping into power distributionsystem 38 does not require the use of all the different receptacles 82,connector 76 will be configured to only tap into the receptacles 82 thatare needed to provide the services to the particular seat group 34.Additionally, while two different ways of securing connector 76 to busstrip 74 (locking detail 88 and retaining mechanism 104) are shown anddiscussed, other methods of releasably securing connector 76 to busstrip 74 can be employed.

Thus, a power distribution system 38 according to the principles of thepresent invention enables the positioning of seat groups 34 withinpassenger cabin 28 without the necessity of avoiding or worrying aboutdamaging cables extending from floor 30. Furthermore, a powerdistribution system 38 according to the principles of the presentinvention allows each seat group 34 to be easily connected to powersource 40 via connector 76 and bus strip 74 regardless of thepositioning of seat group 34 along seat track 36. Additionally, a powerdistribution system 38 according to the principles of the presentinvention allows for the arrangement and configurations of seat groups34 to be altered without requiring the rewiring of passenger cabin 28.The ability to attach connector 76 at any point along bus strip 74 dueto the continuous receptacles 82 extending therealong, facilitates theseadvantages.

While various preferred embodiments have been described, those skilledin the art will recognize modifications or variations which might bemade without departing from the inventive concept. The examplesillustrate the invention and are not intended to limit it. Therefore,the description and claims should be interpreted liberally with onlysuch limitation as is necessary in view of the pertinent prior art.

1. A method of providing power and/or data to a seat coupled to a seattrack in a seating area, the method comprising: (a) attaching anelongated bus strip having an elongated continuous receptacle in adesired location relative to the seating area with a first side of saidbus strip generally facing the seat track, said receptacle having aconductive member therein accessible from said first side; (b) attachinga connector to said first side of said bus strip at a position near theseat to which power and/or data is to be provided, said connector havinga plug that engages with said conductive member when attached to saidbus strip, said connector operable to electrically interconnect saidconductive member to the seat; and (c) connecting said bus strip to apower and/or data source on the mobile platform.
 2. The method of claim1, further comprising attaching a seat group to a seat track in theseating area and wherein (a) includes attaching said bus strip in alocation adjacent said seat track.
 3. The method of claim 2, furthercomprising attaching a plurality of seat groups to said seat track andpositioning said seat groups in desired locations along said seat track,and wherein (b) includes attaching multiple connectors to said bus stripat multiple positions along said bus strip proximate said seat groupsthereby interconnecting said conductive member to said seat groups. 4.The method of claim 2, wherein (a) includes orienting said bus stripwith said receptacle extending along a portion of a length of andadjacent to said seat track.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein (b)includes removably securing said connector to said bus strip.
 6. Themethod of claim 5, wherein (b) includes removably securing saidconnector to said bus strip with a locking detail in said receptacle anda complementary feature on said plug.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein(b) includes removably securing said connector to said bus strip with amovable extension on said connector that selectively engages with acomplementary slot in said bus strip.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein(a) includes attaching multiple elongated bus strips having elongatedcontinuous receptacles at multiple locations relative to the seatingarea
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein (a) includes attaching anelongated bus strip with multiple elongated continuous receptacles eachhaving a conductive member therein accessible from said first side and(b) includes attaching a connector having multiple plugs to said firstside of said bus strip with each of said plugs engaging with a differentone of said receptacles and the conductive member therein.
 10. Themethod of claim 1, wherein (b) includes attaching a connector to saidfirst side of said bus strip at a position that is between said busstrip and said seat track.
 11. A method of providing power and/or datato a seat in a seating area, the method comprising: (a) attaching anelongated bus strip having an elongated continuous receptacle in adesired location relative to the seating area, said receptacle having aconductive member therein, and said receptacle having a locking detailwhich includes a narrowing passageway that allows access to saidconductive member; (b) attaching a connector to said bus strip at aposition near the seat to which power and/or data is to be provided,said connector having a plug that engages with said conductive memberwhen attached to said bus strip, said plug including a stem with anenlarged head that passes through said narrowing passageway whenattaching said connector to said bust strip thereby securing saidconnector to said bus strip, and said connector operable to electricallyinterconnect said conductive member to the seat; and (c) connecting saidbus strip to a power and/or data source in the fixed structure.
 12. Themethod of claim 11, further comprising attaching a seat group to thefixed structure in the seating area and wherein (a) includes attachingsaid bus strip in a location adjacent said seat group.
 13. The method ofclaim 11, wherein (b) includes removably securing said connector to saidbus strip with engagement between said locking detail and said plug. 14.The method of claim 11, wherein (b) includes removably securing saidconnector to said bus strip with a movable extension on said connectorthat selectively engages with a complementary slot in said bus strip.15. The method of claim 11, wherein (a) includes attaching multipleelongated bus strips having elongated continuous receptacles at multiplelocations relative to the seating area.
 16. The method of claim 11,wherein (a) includes attaching said bus strip in a desired locationrelative to a seating area of a mobile platform.
 17. The method of claim11, wherein (a) includes attaching said bus strip in a desired locationrelative to a seating area of a fixed structure.
 18. A method ofproviding power and/or data to a seat in a seating area, the methodcomprising: (a) attaching an elongated bus strip having an elongatedcontinuous receptacle in a desired location relative to the seatingarea, said receptacle having a conductive member therein, saidreceptacle having an accessible first side, and said receptacle havingan access opening along said first side that allows access to saidconductive member and is sealed closed with a resilient material; (b)inserting a plug of a connector through said access opening and pastsaid resilient material and into engagement with said conductive memberthereby attaching said connector to said bus strip, said plug beingpositioned near the seat to which power and/or data is to be provided,and said connector operable to electrically interconnect said conductivemember to the seat; and (c) connecting said bus strip to a power and/ordata source in the fixed structure.
 19. The method of claim 18, whereinsaid resilient material defines a narrowing passageway through saidaccess opening, said plug includes a stem with an enlarged head and (b)includes inserting said head of said plug past said resilient materialand into engagement with said conductive member.
 20. The method of claim19, wherein (a) includes attaching said bus strip with said first sideof said bus strip generally facing a seat track.